Youth incarcerated in juvenile detention centers are undergoing significant stress related to arrest, the uncertainties of their legal issues, and the potential loss of freedom, trust, respect of family and community, and future dreams. Effective ministry to these individuals should be based on the expected duration of the sentence (30 days vs. 1 year) but should also be focused more on the transition out of incarceration and reintegration back into the community. The better this transition is the greater the likelihood that the youth will not recidivate back into illegal behaviors.

SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment for Individuals in the Criminal Justice System identifies the following key factors to consider when helping an individual coming out of incarceration:

Substance Use

Substance use history

Motivation for change

Treatment history

Criminal Involvement

Criminal thinking tendencies

Current offenses

Prior charges/convictions

Age of first offense

Type of offenses (violent vs. non-violent, sexual, etc.)

Number of offenses

Prior successful completion of probation/parole

History of personality disorders (unlikely if under 18 years of age)

Health

Infectious disease (TB, hepatitis, STD, HIV, etc.)

Pregnancy

General health

Acute conditions

Mental Health

Suicidality/History of suicidal behavior

Any diagnosis of MH

Prior treatment/counseling and outcomes

Current/Past medication

Symptoms

Trauma

Special Considerations

Education level

Reading level/Literacy

Language/Cultural barriers

Disabilities (physical, intellectual, learning, etc.)

Housing

Family issues

History of abuse (victim and/or perpetrator)

Other service providers (counselor, probation officer, social worker, etc.)

This is a long list of issues that require attention. Remember, you are not alone in service this youth. Partner with others that are investing as well. Establish open communication between you and the others so you do not unintentionally work against each other. Have the other providers come do trainings for you and your staff so that you can better understand the complexities involved in serving juvenile offenders. The more you can work together with the community the greater the odds are that your youth will overcome the obstacles they are facing.

What are ways you have partnered with individuals attempting to reintegrate after returning from incarceration?

Are there special considerations for juvenile offenders vs. young adults?

Worked on a SAMHSA grant was a therapist and Program Director for 3.5 years with Juvenile offenders (incarcerated for 6 months or more). Very difficult population and low succeed rate. Would be happy to answer any specific questions.http://jwolffblog.wordpress.com